RMWB upgrading security measures in Abasand, Beacon Hill, Waterways

Concerns from residents of Fort McMurray’s hardest-hit neighbourhoods have been heard.

RMWB Emergency Management Director Bob Couture announced in a brief video update Wednesday evening that security was being revamped in the areas after complaints about inadequate measures.

Couture said residents would be issued with wristbands, colour-coded to which neighbourhood they live in. The wristbands will be issued at the security checkpoints into Abasand, Beacon Hill, and Waterways after ID has been verified.

Couture added that private security would be replaced by RCMP officers to ensure the proper measures are taken. The officers will also be patrolling the neighbourhoods to ensure unoccupied properties aren’t being taken advantage of.

Councillors Meagher and McGrath voted against the measure, calling it “draconian” in nature. The bylaw will be reviewed after six weeks to determine whether it should be adjusted, or if it should expire.